Direct Cremation is cheaper than a traditional funeral service. Direct Cremation avoids many of the costs involved such as embalming, preparation of the deceased, church services, church fees and no need for large floral tributes. But to think that it is all about avoiding costs would be wrong, some people choose this route because they want to avoid all the fuss, hype and pressure of a traditional funeral.

Typically a direct cremation includes the collection and care of the deceased from a hospital/hospice/nursing home or private dwelling to one of our funeral homes. And the completion of all the paperwork, coroners fees, coffin and cremation fees.

For Direct Cremation we cover Sligo, Mayo, Roscommon, Leitrim and Donegal and indeed like any of our funeral services we can cover all counties of Ireland.

The main difference between Direct Cremation and our more traditional funeral service is that there is no mass or service, either in church or funeral home. There will be no family or mourners at the funeral home or crematorium. There will be no preparation, embalming or viewing of the deceased.

Yes it is a very suitable option if someone dies away from home. And also a very suitable option for someone that dies here in Ireland and wants their ashes buried or scattered in their native country. The ashes can be taken back by family to the homeland, where a service can be held at a later date.

With a direct cremation it divides the funeral. Cremation now and the ceremony later, and that ceremony can be arranged here in Ireland at a suitable time for all the family or it can be arranged in the homeland of the deceased with the family present. As we know, with a traditional cremation, all will happen within days of each other. Whichever route is chosen, rest assured we will give the same level of care to the deceased as we would like given to one of our own family.

You are right in thinking this. In most cases Direct Cremation is chosen by the deceased, before their death, and with this in mind the family or next of kin feel it’s the right thing to do. But it may not feel right with the remaining  family. With Direct Cremation we discuss the process, we would like to feel that the grieving family know what to expect, that they would fully understand the process and what’s involved. By discussing it with all concerned, we may come to a happy medium.

The concept of a Direct Cremation is to avoid the expense and fuss of a traditional funeral service or cremation.  But arrangements can be made, and this comes from discussing the arrangements in detail with the grieving family, to spend  some quality time with the deceased in one of our funeral homes. Others may want to say some prayers, play some favourite pieces of music, favourite songs and the possibility of traveling behind the hearse to the crematorium. Every detail can be discussed. We like to pride our business on working with our families and organising a meaningful funeral for your loved ones. Attendance in the crematorium chapel with be determined by the crematorium management and often, some time spent there will give a family some acceptance of the death.

Yes a coffin is always used in all cremations, Direct or a traditional cremation service, and it is always cremated too. We must use a coffin for handling and hygienic purposes. In a Direct Cremation package the coffin used is a standard size(6’3’’ x 2’) and unfortunately there is an additional charge if a larger coffin must be used.

A ‘simple cremation’ is slightly different to both a traditional funeral and a Direct Cremation. It’s like a happy medium. At a simple cremation service we can arrange to have a prayer service in one of our funeral homes. Family can get to spend some quality and invaluable time in the presence of their loved one. Maybe family would like to escort or travel with the remains to the crematorium. These alternatives or choices were mentioned above. All can be discussed and we will be happy to accommodate families in whatever way we can.

Yes you can, when we return the ashes to you, the family, the service can be organised. That can take the form of a traditional mass, Church Of Ireland service, civil or humanist service. When having the ceremony or service in the days, weeks or months after the cremation it allows time to organise a true celebration of the persons’ life. It allows for all family members to come together, to reflect, to remember the life of your departed loved one. It allows time to pick the right music or song, the poetry they loved, the prayers that helped them and in turn make it a truly personal, meaningful and memorable occasion.

Yes, most definitely, that can be done. We here in Brennan Funeral Directors would love to assist you in whatever way possible. As with any funeral arrangements by talking with us and making known your wishes, you will be assured that you will get the funeral service that you desire. It takes the responsibility from your family and if paid for, it takes the financial burden from a grieving family.